CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers traded fourth-year guard Ron Harper and three draft choices Thursday to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for the rights to forward Danny Ferry and swingman Reggie Williams.
Ferry, an All-America at Duke, is playing in Italy after refusing to join the Clippers.
The Cavs traded their first-round picks in 1990 and 1992, and a second-round pick in 1991.
Williams will report to the team immediately, and the Cavaliers will try to work out a deal with Ferry. Harper, from Miami of Ohio, is averaging 22 points per game. He is in the final year of his contract and eligible for restricted free agency at the end of the season.
'Trading Ron Harper was a tough decision,' Cleveland general manager Wayne Embry said in a statement released by the team. 'He is one of the top guards in the NBA. The chance to acquire the rights to Danny Ferry is an exceptional opportunity. The owners, coaches, staff and players have one goal -- an NBA championship for Cleveland.
'Danny Ferry and Reggie Williams will help us get there. Boston waited a year for Larry Bird. San Antonio waited two years for David Robinson. You will see -- Danny Ferry will be well worth the wait.'
The Cavs scheduled a news conference for Thursday night to discuss the trade.
